Overview

Why study television and digital production with us

Our BA Television and Digital Production has been developed with industry experts to give you one of the most practical and career-focused television production degrees in the UK. Using our state-of-the-art television studio, industry standard Avid editing suites and top of the range equipment, you’ll get to grips with everything you need to know about broadcasting, streaming, and video on demand. You’ll also learn to write scripts and develop formats as you get hands-on experience of making a range of programmes, from sitcoms, dramas and documentaries to game shows, children’s television, chat shows and everything in between.

You’ll get the support you need to succeed in your studies and join next generation of studio and location directors, producers, camera operators, sound and lighting technicians, editors, researchers and production managers. Our recent graduates have started their careers with the likes of the BBC, Endemol, ITV, Disney, Sky TV, E4, Tiger Lily Films, MTV, Lime Pictures, Talkback Thames, Shine Group, all3 Media, October Films, Sundog Pictures, IMG Sport, Applause Store, NRK, Arena Television and National Geographic.

Build your hands-on production skills

Our London location means you’ll be in the heart of the UK’s television industry, with plenty of opportunities to expand your network and gain valuable industry connections. In fact, recently our final year students have pitched their graduation project programme ideas to top executives at the BBC, while the best graduate productions of each year are screened at a top London venue in front of industry professionals.

Our mix of regular masterclasses from top professionals and visiting lecturers (which include directors, producers and broadcasters from Channel 4, the BBC, ITV and the independent sector) means you’ll be in close contact with the industry throughout your studies. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit live productions to see our industry contacts in action at work.

We’ll give you invaluable advice on how to join the television industry and help you enhance your professional experience with a range of unique networking and work placement opportunities.

Get the support you need to succeed

When it comes to support, you’ll be matched with a Personal Tutor to get the backing you need. You’ll also get support from our Student Learning and Graduate Academic Assistants who have personal experience in your subject.

Our TV production students have won an RTS London Division award for three out of the last four years, and have gone on to work for companies including the BBC, Endemol, Sky TV and Talkback Thames. Graduate, Phil Poole, also won Best Music Video at the NME Awards in 2017 – beating music videos for Beyoncé and Kanye West.

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Department

What our alumni say

Starting out as a young television professional, I now realise just how much I learnt from my time at Middlesex.

Megan Street, Television Production BA graduate

Did you know

Our graduates have gone on to work for companies including the BBC, Endemol, Sky TV and Talkback Thames

Course content

What will you study on the BA Television and Digital Production?

Throughout your three years, you’ll be working across different genres from music videos, sitcoms, talent shows and quiz shows to dramas and documentaries, with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment and the support of industry experts.

You will gain substantial practical production skills in single and multi-camera projects that will enable you to become an accomplished professional. Your talent and vision come to fruition when you produce your graduation showreel in Year 3. Work placements, practical, creative and career focused modules ensure you have all the tools necessary to work in TV and digital production.

This course allows you to specialise in the roles of your choice both on location (including Director, Producer, Researcher, Script writer, Production Manager, Director of Photography, Sound Recordist, Editor, Designer), and in the studio (including Studio Director, Floor Manager, Gallery Production Assistant, Vision Mixer, Gallery PA and Vision Control).

Modules

Year 1

Exploring the Studio (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module enables you to understand and undertake studio roles and responsibilities including camera operator, lighting director, sound recordist and floor manager. It also introduces you to the skills needed to work in a studio gallery, including vision mixer, production assistant, researcher and studio director.

Shooting on Location (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module introduces you to Single Camera TV and Online Production Skills in both fact and fiction. You will learn different forms of small screen storytelling, practicing the crafts of camera, lighting, sound and editing through workshops and productions.

Pitching and the Industry (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module introduces you to the way the industry works from independent production companies to broadcasters and emerging platforms and networks such as Netflix, Vice and Vimeo. You will also learn about the production process including how to develop a story or format idea, research and write a proposal plus develop a pitch.

Screens and Platforms (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module introduces you to the creative and practical aspects of both factual and fictional TV and digital production. Programme types, genres, creativity and artistry will be explored in relation to national and international TV and digital production context.

Year 2

Multi-skilling for Studio and Digital Production (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module builds on a range of established techniques required for television studio production, including VT inserts. It further develops your ability to research for TV programmes, develop, repurpose and promote creative content. By working on a range of studio shows you will enhance production skills for live, on-demand and multiplatform delivery.

Producing and Directing for TV (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module develops the skills and responsibilities required to run a professional production on location as well as enhancing skills for single and multi-camera directing and producing.

Drama, Documentary and Reality TV (30 credits) - Optional

This module develops your command of sound and image making processes to create documentary, drama and reality TV series. Drawing on national and international examples, you will examine how ideas are developed for TV genres and emerging platforms. You will then create script and format ideas.

Promotional Video (30 credits) - Optional

In this module you will use a range of established production techniques to create music videos, adverts or corporate promos. Working to a client’s brief, you will gain genuine broadcast and/or non-broadcast industry experience.

Advanced Production Skills for Innovation (30 credits) - Optional

In this module you will develop advanced skills in Camera, Lighting, Sound and Post Production for studio and on location. You will also be introduced to innovative new technologies at the forefront of filmmaking and live streaming.

Year 3

Major Project (60 credits) - Compulsory

In this module you will consolidate your editorial and/or craft skills in the form of a Major Project. Working in production teams, you will make, to a professional standard, a graduation film. This will prepare you for production-related positions in television and digital production.

Entrepreneurship and Employability (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module provides you with a broad understanding of the production cultures and practices of the TV industry. It prepares you for work in TV and the wider media sector. You will also undertake a work placement and/or freelance work.

TV and Future Platforms (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module gives you the opportunity in the form of a research project to specialise and focus upon an aspect of the industry that especially interests you professionally and/or artistically.

You can find more information about this course in the programme specification. Optional modules are usually available at levels 5 and 6, although optional modules are not offered on every course. Where optional modules are available, you will be asked to make your choice during the previous academic year. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, or there are staffing changes which affect the teaching, it may not be offered. If an optional module will not run, we will advise you after the module selection period when numbers are confirmed, or at the earliest time that the programme team make the decision not to run the module, and help you choose an alternative module.

Teaching

How is the BA Television and Digital Production taught?

As well as working on projects, both alone and in groups, you will learn through a blend of workshops, screenings, seminars and technical laboratories.

We have very strong links to the television, film and digital media sectors in London and beyond and you'll learn from the industry's leaders. Over the past year, our students have received masterclasses from:

Carl Callam, BBC3 Commissioner

Mark Cooper, Head of Music at the BBC

Nick Wood, BBC Sitcom Director (Not Going Out, Citizen Khan)

Alex Pillai, Director, Da Vinci’s Demons, Robin Hood

Chris King, the Editor of Senna and Amy which won the Best Documentary Oscar in 2016

Lucy Drake, Casualty (BBC1)

Iris Maor, Production Manager

Sasha Djerkovic, Documentary Director

Jacquie Hughes, Content Officer, Ofcom

Our students have recently won Royal Television Society awards (for Best Drama and Best Documentary Cinematography) and won last year’s Best Unscripted Programme Award at the Edinburgh Television Festival out of 2500 entries. Every year our 3rd years pitch their graduation projects to commissioning editors at the BBC.

Work placement

You will have the opportunity to do work experience in TV or digital production as part of the course. Such placements have included BBC Studios, ITV, Sky Sports and a range of independent production companies and facility houses.

Assessment

All assessment is designed to prepare you for a career in TV and digital production. You will be assessed on areas such as production work, scripts, treatments, format ideas, and other creative and professional tasks. There are no exams. You will receive regular feedback on your projects from your tutors as well as fellow students.

Teaching

Lectures allow you to gain and develop knowledge in specific subjects. You can discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures and practicals in smaller seminar groups. In addition, you can arrange one to one sessions with your personal tutor or module leader. You will also have access to and use resources to support your learning.

Independent Learning

When not attending your teaching, sessions mentioned above, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework, presentations and examinations. Your independent learning is supported by the facilities available including the library and Study Hub, Laptop hire, and with online materials in MyUniHub (see student support section below).

Overall Workload

Your overall workload will include the activities listed above, and with each credit being completed equating to 10 hours of study time (You will complete 120 credits per level of study, which are broken down into modules of typically 30 credits). While your actual hours may depend on the optional module that you choose (if available), the following information will give you an indication of how much time is allocated to teaching and independent study on your course:

Level 4

16% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity:

Teaching, learning and assessment: 192 hours

Independent Learning: 1008 hours

Level 5

16% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity:

Teaching, learning and assessment: 192 hours

Independent Learning: 1008 hours

Level 6

16% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity:

Teaching, learning and assessment: 192 hours

Independent Learning: 1008 hours

Academic Support

You will have access to academic support services that you assist you in the following areas;

Study Skills, including academic writing, reading and numeracy skills

Employability, with workshops and tutorials on CV writing, interview and presentation skills

Library Support, including sessions on finding, and choosing the right resources and software and tutorials on referencing and plagiarism

Progression and Support Advisors to assist you with if you experience difficulties with your studies

Well-being Services.

These services can be accessed through the UniHelp Desk in the Library building

Assessment

The course will provide you with opportunities to test your knowledge and understanding informally through ‘formative’ assessment. This will be completed before your formal ‘summative’ assessment which will count towards your final marks. Each module normally contains at least one piece of formative assessment from which you will receive feedback from your tutor. Formative assessments are developmental and any grade you receive from formative assessment does not count towards your final marks.

There is formal ‘summative’ assessment as part of the module, usually towards the end of the module. The grades from the summative assessments count towards your module mark. Assessments are reviewed annually and may be updated based on student feedback, to suit content or based on feedback from an external examiner.

Percentage of course assessed by coursework

The balance of assessment will depend on the modules that you complete throughout your course. The approximate percentage of the course which is assessed by coursework is outlined below:

Level 4

27.5% coursework

72.5% practical exams

Level 5

70% coursework

30% practical exams

Level 6

44% coursework

56% practical exams

Feedback

You will receive feedback on the formative assessment, and written summative assessments. Feedback on examination performance can be requested from the module leader. Feedback is intended to help you learn and progress, and you are encouraged to review and discuss your feedback with your module or personal tutor.

We will aim to provide you with feedback within 15 working days of submission.

Details of progression and pass marks for assessment can be found in the university regulations.

Life at Middlesex

Entry requirements

Qualifications

Middlesex University has a flexible and personalised approach to admissions and we accept applications from students with a wide range of qualifications and a combination of qualifications.

Please check our general entry requirements page to see how these points can be achieved from our acceptable level 3 qualifications and the combinations which are welcomed by Middlesex University, including GCSE requirements.

Applications from mature candidates without formal qualifications are welcomed, provided they can demonstrate appropriate levels of relevant ability and experience.

If you are unable to meet the entry requirements for this course you may still be eligible for our Foundation Year in Media course. This is an extra year of study to prepare you for the full degree.

Eligibility

UK/EU and international students are eligible to apply for this course.

Academic credit for previous study or experience

If you have achieved a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND, or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to enter a Middlesex University course in year two or three. For further information please visit our Transfer students page.

If you have relevant qualifications or work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your Middlesex University programme of study. For further information please visit our Accreditation of Prior Learning page.

Interviews, entrance tests, portfolios and auditions

Entry onto this course does not require an interview, portfolio or audition.

Qualifications

112 UCAS points

Middlesex University has a flexible and personalised approach to admissions and we accept applications from students with a wide range of qualifications and a combination of qualifications.

Please check our general entry requirements page to see how these points can be achieved from our acceptable level 3 qualifications and the combinations which are welcomed by Middlesex University, including GCSE requirements.

Applications from mature candidates without formal qualifications are welcomed, provided they can demonstrate appropriate levels of relevant ability and experience.

If you are unable to meet the entry requirements for this course you may still be eligible for our Foundation Year in Media course. This is an extra year of study to prepare you for the full degree.

Eligibility

UK/EU and international students are eligible to apply for this course.

Academic credit for previous study or experience

If you have achieved a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND, or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to enter a Middlesex University course in year two or three. For further information please visit our Transfer students page.

If you have relevant qualifications or work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your Middlesex University programme of study. For further information please visit our Accreditation of Prior Learning page.

Interviews, entrance tests, portfolios and auditions

Entry onto this course does not require an interview, portfolio or audition.

The following course-related costs are not included in the fees, and you may be required to purchase these to complete the course. The costs are approximate and may change due to changes in pricing at the retailer;

Scholarships, fees and bursaries

Student work

The Switch - A music talent show developed and produced by Middlesex BA Television Production students.

A snapshot of the work produced by our Television students during 2016 - including drama, documentary and live studio productions.

A Mouser Productions short film Produced and Directed by Alicia Rovira-Parker.

Music is Vision is an Award winning short documentary about the blind community of Vangani, a village in Maharashtra, India. Director: Abdulaziz Alfuraih

Safest Place in the World - A moving documentary made by Middlesex students on the shootings at Utoya Island in Norway in 2011.

Careers

How can the BA Television and Digital Production support your career?

The UK television industry, with over 50,000 employees, is one of the strongest in the world. The creative media industries workforce earn 24% more than the average income of the UK working population.

Because of the diverse nature of the degree, a wide range of exciting television and digital production roles will be open to you.

Our recent graduates have worked on such shows as The X Factor, The Only Way is Essex, Geordie Shore, Big Brother, Celebrity Juice, The Circle, Grand Designs, Location, Location, Location and Masterchef.

Accreditation

BA Television and Digital Production has been awarded the ScreenSkills Tick, the industry kitemark of quality, following a rigorous assessment process by experts working in the Creative Industries. The ScreenSkills Tick is awarded to practice-based courses which best prepare students for a career in the industry.

Life at Middlesex

Facilities

We have some of the finest television production and post-production facilities in UK higher education. Sony has designed the TV production suite for us with two TV studios at its centre, which includes state of the art galleries for Production, Lighting and Sound, in which we are able to run multi-camera productions in full High Definition XD Cam 50Mbps. The studio facility also benefits from having an Avid Isis 5000 server in conjunction with 2 x 4 Channel Airspeed Multi-streams, which also support our Post Production editing suites and News studio and gives us central storage in a tapeless environment.

Paul is an award-winning television producer who has made dozens of programmes for the BBC and Channel Four as well as many international co-productions. He is also the author and editor of a number of books and articles on television and film.

Deborah’s creative practice and academic interest is in comedy, specifically the TV Sitcom and more recently comic narratives in film. Other areas of research include psychoanalysis, character, how to shoot the visual joke and discursive frames.

Tom is an award-winning television director who has made a variety of productions for both Broadcast and Business TV. His specialist research interests include factual programming and developing media practice.

Student profiles

Danny Fisher

Television and Digital Production BA graduate

Looking back on my career so far, one year since graduating in Television Production, the course has been paramount to my success. Not only did it make my confidence flourish, it opened up a gateway into the industry I love. I am now writing, working in the industry, and have done so even before I graduated, because of the course. I most certainly couldn’t have done it without the experience given to me whilst studying.

The things I learnt and the people I met brought my knowledge up to industry standard. The facilities made it possible for me to work in a real-life studio environment, in groups that would echo a real crew. My lecturers helped me grow, to ensure I was heading down the correct avenues to achieve my future ambitions throughout every stage.

I am currently working on MasterChef: The Professionals, as a Production Secretary, and this opportunity was given to me through contacts I met whilst at University. I was interested in going into Production during my second year, and my lecturers helped me meet people to make my ambitions become a reality. The lecturers are dedicated to every student and I was lucky enough to eventually meet someone who is now my employer.

I am forever grateful to the course and cannot recommend it enough. To anyone in doubt, I feel as a spokesperson for the course, do it! Take every opportunity you can, and you may just succeed!

Richard Tipple

Television Production BA graduate

I chose to study this degree because I wanted to work in TV and I wanted a course that was more focused on the 'hands on' skill of film-making rather than the theory.

The degree taught me a skill set that I use every single day in my working life. I learnt how to film, how to edit, how to light and most importantly how to tell a story using pictures. It gave me the tools to shape the foundation of what I do professionally. After leaving University I got a job that I wouldn't have got if it wasn't for the showreel and practical experience I amassed during my final year. Every job since I've built on these foundations.

I'm incredibly lucky to work in a creative field and earn a very good wage at the same time. I owe Middlesex for that. I owe Roddy Gibson (my tutor) a hell of a lot. Mostly for his patience!

My advice to new students is make sure you know what you want to get out of the course before you begin. Middlesex stands out because its staff want to get you to where you want to be. Know that, communicate that and you'll be in a great position. I did a lot of growing up at University and I couldn't have chosen a better place to do it.

Emilie Andreassen

Television Production BA graduate

What really appealed to me about the course was the balance between lectures and practical work. I got the opportunity to try out all the things I learnt about in the lectures in my practical work. I also found it great that we got to make so many different films throughout the three years studying here.

The course has great industry standard equipment; brand new studios and amazing editing suits. Most of this equipment is the same as what I have used and seen during my internships in Norway. This makes you feel that you are working at a very professional level and it gives you the opportunity to make your films look stunning. It also gives you more confidence when considering sending your films out to Film Festivals or to possible employees. This all gives you a good taste of how it works in the real industry.